Mazda SkyActiv 1.3 petrol engine to launch in Mazda2

The SkyActiv-G 1.3 produces 62kW of power at 5400rpm and 112Nm of torque at 4000rpm. Its high compression ratio of 14.0:1 is a record for a regular mass production petrol car engine.

It will be launched in the Mazda2 (known as the ‘Demio’ in Japan) before the end of June in its domestic market. It will incorporate Mazda’s ‘i-stop’ start-stop engine system and will be teamed with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Combined cycle fuel consumption under the Japanese ‘10-15 mode test cycle’ is officially 3.33 litres/100km, although converted to Australia’s ADR 81/02 standard (which leads to results around 30 percent higher) it comes in at around 4.4 litres/100km.

In Australia, the current Mazda2 achieves 6.4 litres/100km (five-speed manual) and 6.8 litres/100km (four-speed automatic) on the combined cycle, significantly more than the new SkyActiv-G version.

Mazda Australia still refuses to outline its specific plans for the introduction of SkyActiv technology, although we know that a SkyActiv-G petrol engine and SkyActiv-Drive automatic transmission will be launched in Australia this year, followed by the SkyActiv-D diesel engine in 2012.

Although it is yet to be confirmed, the updated 2012 Mazda3 is almost certain to be the first vehicle sold in Australia with the SkyActiv engine and transmission combination. The ‘BL’ Mazda3 is expected to arrive in Australia late this year.

If the Mazda2 with the SkyActiv-G 1.3 engine is introduced to Australia, it is unlikely to arrive until sometime in 2012.